IN one of the big upsets of the I’Anson Division?Three season, relegated Headley II beat leaders Blackheath II by two wickets with two balls to spare.

The result mean that Blackheath aren’t quite home and dry in the promotion race, although The Bourne would have to win both their remaining games and rely on Blackheath losing both theirs to edge into the top two.

Both teams were able to bolster their teams with a couple of first-teamers, but in the the end it was Headley 2nd XI regular Algie Trotman who played the crucial role with an undefeated 49.

Blackheath were inserted and tame efforts at the start and end of their innings meant they weren’t able to build an imposing total. Aidan Cuthell made two early breakthroughs, crucually dismissing Australian Mitch O’Dwyer who feathered a catch to keeper Richard Jackson.

Blackheath were wobbling at 17-3, but their depth of batting helped them out as Josh Cummings and Paul Nash put on 47. Cummings made a fine 69, but once he lost Ronnie Harrison for 31, the innings tailed away. Skipper Dom Johnson took three wickets and Blackheath were bowled out for 162 in the 44th over.

Headley openers Paul Kelly and Callum Hawtin survived a pacey spell from Archie Freeth and although Ed Allen then bowled Hawtin, Harry Clarke joined Kelly to take the score to 68. Clarke looked in good touch and when Cummings took a fine catch at mid-off to dismiss him for 43, Headley seemed in trouble.

However, Trotman proceeded to play a remarkable innings, including deft flicks to fine-leg, sixes over the bowler’s head and plenty of playing and missing. The lower order struggled to cope with the leg-spinners of O’Dwyer (4-25), but Trotman found a willing partner in Mike Hughes.

With 17 were needed off the last two overs, Trotman launched a vital six off O’Dwyer and with some scampered singles, Headley required six off the final over. A two off the third ball left three to win and a boundary to long-off by Trotman sealed an unlikely win.

Nine-man Hindhead decided to bat and steady contributions from Mark Babb, Will Hams, Matt Jeffs and, in particular, Darren Carter (26) gave the total some respectability. But spinner Baz Laksamba tore the lower order apart with 4-27 and home team Dogmersfield II were set 103 for victory.

Hindhead bowled tightly, with Lance Thorne taking 2-29 in nine overs. But with the gaps in the field, Dogmersfield eased to a six-wicket win with good knocks from Suman Shresta (26), Naveed (24), Jamal (27 not out) and Anand Gurung (18 not out).

Farncombe were in a bit of trouble at 98-4 against Harting, but Richard Baker took command with 92 off 85 balls, including 12 fours and a six, and the home side totalled a healthy 215-5.

Rob Norris had been hit on the nose while keeping wicket, but still managed to make a fluent 67 for Harting. Skipper Jake Wadey made 32, but fine bowling by Jack Durrant (4-21 in 9 overs) had put Farncombe on top and Harting were contained to 159-8.

Farncombe regained the lead with this victory.

Nick Hales and Matt Hall (39) were the only Bourne batsmen to get going at Shalford. Hales batted throughout for 72 not out and guided the visitors to 148-9.

Matt Duncan and Matt Hall then took three wickets apiece, but Shalford were within six runs of victory when they were all out for 143.

Midhurst lost to Thursley and Bramley (119) were defeated by Wood Street (120-8; Keelan Williams 43).

Hindhead are home to Blackheath II this Saturday, while Bourne host Farncombe, the latter playing their last game of the season.

On September 22, the last day of the season, Blackheath play Thursley away and The Bourne visit Dogmersfield.